What is the Difference Between Diabetes and Insulin Resistance?

Diabetes and insulin resistance both involve some of the same elements. Specifically, a key factor in both conditions is the inability of the pancreas to produce enough insulin to control blood sugar levels in your body. Insulin allows your cells to absorb sugar from the blood, providing these cells with the energy they need to function and keep blood sugar levels normal.

Despite the similarities in terms of how insulin resistance and diabetes work, not everyone with one has the other. In a person with insulin resistance, cells in the muscles, fat, and liver do not respond as well as they should to insulin; the pancreas may be producing a normal amount of insulin, but because cells are not processing it effectively, this normal amount is not enough to support these cells’ ability to function.

A person with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes can experience insulin resistance, but not everyone with diabetes is necessarily insulin resistant. Type 2 diabetes can occur as a result of the pancreas not making as much insulin as it’s normally supposed to; while the body’s cells may still be able to process insulin normally, not enough of it is being produced to support cell functions. This also occurs in people with Type 1 diabetes due to their immune system targeting insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.

Insulin resistance also doesn’t necessarily lead to diabetes in everyone who experiences it. While it can progress into prediabetes and, eventually, Type 2 diabetes if left untreated, it’s also associated with other conditions, including cardiovascular disease, fatty liver disease, metabolic syndrome, and polycystic ovary syndrome. Insulin resistance also isn’t necessarily a chronic condition; it can occur temporarily in some people.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of either insulin resistance or diabetes, you can receive treatment from an endocrinologist at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Learn How to Properly Store Your Insulin in the Summer

We would never waste our food or allow it to become spoiled by the heat, but what about medicines? Medicines should not be the exception, specifically insulin.

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Insulin is a protein which is dissolved in water and is required to manage blood sugar levels in diabetics. As with any protein, bacteria can grow in insulin, making it susceptible to become spoiled. Bacteria can also break down the proteins in insulin and makes it less effective. Keeping insulin cool can help prevent it from spoiling and maintain its effectiveness. The recommended temperature for storage, once opened, should be anywhere from 59-68 degrees Fahrenheit. For insulin not in use, store between 36-46 degrees Fahrenheit. For many diabetics, insulin is most comfortably administered at room temperature.

Some other storage tips include:
• Do not freeze or use thawed insulin. The freezing temperature will break down the proteins and will not work to lower blood sugar levels.
• Do not leave in sunlight. This can break down the proteins in insulin as well.
• Inspect insulin prior to each use. Ensure that there are no clumps, crystals or particles in the bottle or pen. Insulin should be clear.
• Write the ‘start use’ date on the insulin vial and discard after 28 days or if it’s been opened.
• Never use expired insulin.
• Be wary of any unusual smells. Insulin should never have an odor or bad smell.

Insulin is administered in many forms including injections, pens or cartridges. Each may have different recommended storage times based on their manufacturer. It is important to check with a pharmacist, package insert, or the manufacturers’ website to ensure proper storage temperature of insulin.

 

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.